However, as these small, unmanned aircraft have become cheaper and more widely available in recent years, their usage has prompted concerns about public safety.

They have also built up a notorious reputation when it comes to football matches. One of the most high-profile incidents happened during the European Championship last October. A politically sensitive Euro 2016 qualifier between bitter rivals Serbia and Albania in Belgrade was abandoned after a drone flew over the stadium carrying a flag emblazoned with a black eagle - the symbol for Greater Albania, which is an area covering all parts of the Balkans where ethnic Albanians live.

A Serbian player eventually grabbed the flag, prompting scuffles between rival players and fans on the Partizan Stadium pitch.

Closer to home, a few days later, a man was arrested on suspicion of breaching the Air Navigation Order after one was flown over the East Stand of the Etihad Stadium during the Manchester City v Spurs Premier League game. He was later released on police bail.

It followed two other incidents when remote-controlled aircraft were flown over stadiums in Nottingham and Derby as games were under way.

A Civil Aviation spokesman said that in the UK the rules state you should not fly any kind of drone within 150m of a built-up area. Further legislation forbids flying within 150m of a large gathering of people in open spaces.